Surfactants lower the surface tension of an aqueous solution and are used as wetting agents, detergents, emulsifiers, antiseptics, and disinfectants. As antimicrobials, they alter the energy relationship at interfaces. Based on the position of the hydrophobic moiety in the molecule, surfactants are classified as anionic or cationic.

Anionic Surfactants:

Soaps are dipolar anionic detergents with the general formula RCOONa/K, which dissociate in water into hydrophilic K+ or Na+ ions and lipophilic fatty acid ions. Because NaOH and KOH are strong bases (whereas most fatty acids are weak acids), most soap solutions are alkaline (pH 8–10) and may irritate sensitive skin and mucous membranes. Soaps emulsify lipoidal secretions of the skin and remove, along with most of the accompanying dirt, desquamated epithelium and bacteria, which are then rinsed away with the lather. The antibacterial potency of soaps is often enhanced by inclusion of certain antiseptics, eg, hexachlorophene, phenols, carbanilides, or potassium iodide. They are incompatible with cationic surfactants.

Cationic Surfactants:

Cationic detergents are a group of alkyl- or aryl-substituted quaternary ammonium compounds (eg, benzalkonium chloride, benzathonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride) with an ionizable halogen, such as bromide, iodide, or chloride. The major site of action of these compounds appears to be the cell membrane, where they become adsorbed and cause changes in permeability. Their activity is reduced by porous or fibrous materials (eg, fabrics, cellulose sponges) that adsorb them. They are inactivated by anionic substances (eg, soaps, proteins, fatty acids, phosphates). Therefore, they are of limited value in the presence of blood and tissue debris. They are effective against most bacteria, some fungi (including yeasts), and protozoa but not against viruses and spores. Aqueous solutions of 1:1,000 to 1:5,000 have good antimicrobial activity, especially at slightly alkaline pH. When applied to skin, they may form a film under which microorganisms can survive, which limits their reliability as antiseptics. Concentrations >1% are injurious to mucous membranes.

Last full review/revision March 2012 by Mark L. Wickstrom, DVM, MS, PhD